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Anthony Medina from Venezuela Takes Home The Diplomático Crown

Venezuelan bartender Anthony Medina has become Diplomático Rum’s inaugural world cocktail champion, after unexpectedly winning the biggest honor on home soil.

Medina, who works for a bartender training website Tubartender.com and is based in Caracas, prevailed from a competitive group of 15 international bartenders, representing 14 countries.

The three-day Diplomático World Tournament Finale took place in multiple venues across Barquisimeto – the brand’s hometown.

Judges were overwhelmed by Medina’s imaginative, prop and equipment-loaded performances and his ability to showcase Venezuelan culture through his drinks, which were full of unusual flavors and perfectly balanced.

Matteo Zamberlan, of Settembrini Café, came in second place. The Italian competitor really impressed the judges, who commended his studious preparation and classic, yet creative style. The British competitor, Daniel Warren, from 1806 in Melbourne, provided stiff competition, finishing a commendable third.

The panel added that bartenders such as Nick Nistico of The Regent Cocktail Club in Miami, Florida, Jason Browne from Calabash Bistro in Vancouver, Jaroslav Janoušek of Black Angel in Prague and Jon Lister of Purl in London, all deserved recognition for their thorough preparation and drinks execution.